2019: No Regerts

happy new year everyone! Its the 20's again.

                             

I couldn't speak about the 1920's without mentioning one of my all-time favorite movies starring Dame Julie Andrews, Carol Channing, and MaryTyler Moore; Thoroughly Modern Millie.

So, here we are in 2020. I'm about to start my 4th week of work since I started right before NYE here is South Central Missouri in Osage Beach. To say the least, I am EXHAUSTED and living off of Diet Coke. The good part about working long days (the only good part) is that I'm sleeping better at night. The other reason I'm sleeping at night is that I don't have a herd of antelopes living above me. i have a townhome and use my second bedroom upstairs (Bella's bedroom really) to work out so I don't have to worry about any neighbors below me. Anyway. Work is good, but tiring and stressful. Hopefully, like Stella, I will get my groove back and find my happy medium where I'm not exhausted nearing a burn-out. 

I live south of OB in Camdenton but whole Lake area is pretty much in hibernation this time of year. I've never been down here in the winter but it's like Branson, except more dead because there don't appear to be any hometown feel-good shows here (common themes including I love America, Jesus, the Armed Forces, and good 'ol family fun!) and an attraction like Silver Dollar City. Even the outlets are in sleep mode. But in the summer come on down for Big Surf waterpark and lake fun- it'll be on like Donkey Kong. Bonus is anyone wants me to go on their boat with them. I'm a great (and safe!) passenger. 

Also- heads up to those therapists that are traveling or planning to; it is crucial to remember your location when you are discussing meal times with your patients. Anywhere close to or below the Mason-Dixon Line the evening meal you eat is called 'supper'. That's it. No other options. You say 'dinner' and you confuse folks. I was corrected on this by a patient in Virginia - "I already HAD dinner." The meal you eat in the middle of the day can be called lunch or dinner. 

Snow last weekend

Snow last weekend

Ha Ha Tonka State Park 2 weeks ago- Castle Ruins

'Natural Bridge'

Don't look at me. Look at my dog in her backpack. 

In closing, we're going to break down 2019 with some numbers and highlights. Let's do it (said in Tone Loc's voice).

2019

• Worked 4 different travel contract jobs in 2 different states
• Quit first job in California in February 2019 due to HATING it and very strong suspicions of medicare fraud
• Hit a doe in Cali, car ruined (not to mention the deer)
• Lived in 4 different locations; the most beautiful being Kelseyville CA 
• Read 27 books this year
• I became an Aunt again to my sister's baby, born in October 2019
• worked at a total of 10 different nursing homes! (several with each contract)
• Came home end of July, spent time with the fam and had some time off before contract started in September
• Quit my long-time PRN OT job (I won't miss the bullshit my friends have to deal with but I will miss all my friends)
• Visited FIVE new National Parks this year- Redwoods, Joshua Tree, Rocky Mountain, Sequoia, and Canyonlands
• 2 cross-country road-trips with my Mom and dog as main companions 
• My priceless movers (Dad and his assistant, Mom) moved me to THREE different homes
• Got to spend Christmas with my family this year (did not for 2018) 
• Sent countless postcards
• PDPM started for SNFs- thank God we don't have any more RUG levels. 
• Explored SO MUCH in California and loved it (refer to previous blog posts for photos of those adventures)- Cayucos, Morrow Bay, Monterey, Carmel, Bodega Bay, Point Arena, the Sequoias, beautiful countryside, etc.
• BELLA is still alive and living her best life- went on special Rx food over the summer in CA due to crystals forming in bladder. Loved the NorCal house best. She got to spend some QT with her grandparents this year, most importantly. You can never have too much attention in her mind- make that adults only, still wants kids to leave her alone. 
• Worked with some AMAZING co-workers in 3/4 jobs this year (Fresno, you're all assholes) and made some good friends. I hope I instilled in all of you to be your best in patient care and RECYCLE to reduce your carbon footprint. 
• Took a full-time position here in Southcentral MO as a Rehab Clinical Leader for my building. 

I'm off like a dirty shirt! Enjoy your evening and keep on livin' the dream! 

Peace, love, and Magic Shell,

ME (and Bella)